In this Newsletter:

• Upcoming Events
• President's Message
• Branch Business
• Connecting with Our Members

January 30, 2024

A Conversation with Cindy Chavez, Santa Clara County Supervisor

The Santa Clara County is home to over 80 ethnicities and languages. With all this diversity, how can we promote a positive and supportive atmosphere that embraces our differences? How can we rise above the anger and hurt that is so prevalent in our society today? This event is hosted by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee, on the 5th Tuesday of January.

Mid-Year Board Retreat January 13: Modify how the branch operates?

• Should we have term limits for appointed board positions and committee chairs? 
• Should we reduce the size of the board from 18 to 12 positions?

These topics will be discussed at a board retreat on January 13, 10:30 am to 3:00 pm, at Jackson Oaks Clubhouse. All branch members are welcome to attend in person and/or submit written comments. For details, click HERE.

President’s Message

Dear Branch Members,

Wishing you a Happy New Year! 2023 was a banner year of many accomplishments and celebrations. We look ahead with hope for another successful AAUW year together.

Read Suman’s message HERE.

Wildflower Run Update

A lot of effort goes into putting on our largest Branch event of the year and our only fundraiser. We need everyone’s help to make this a success. There are many ways you can join the fun and be part of the Wildflower Run team by organizing publicity, directing traffic, or working at one of the four races. See how you can join the team HERE.

Welcome to Our New Members

Although Kristi Cole lives in Fremont, she works in MH for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley. Cande Sifuentes is originally from Mexico. She learned about AAUW through Tech Trek. Read all about them HERE.

2024 Wildflower Fund Giving Campaign

Each year we ask members to contribute to The Wildflower Fund, which supports all our branch’s charitable activities, including local scholarships and grants for women and girls, Tech Trek camp, and national AAUW programs. The Fund includes gifts from members, contributions from Wildflower Run corporate sponsors, and proceeds from the Run. Please make your gift today. Read more HERE.

2024 Leadership Morgan Hill

Congratulations to Cindy Adams, who will be participating in the 2024 class of Leadership Morgan Hill, sponsored by AAUW MH. Cindy is the organizer of our popular monthly “Whine and Wine” events and actively supports the Wildflower Run. Information about LMH can be found at Leadership Morgan Hill.

AAUW Honoree Nominations for 2024

Nominate members to be recognized for their outstanding service to the branch as an AAUW Honoree. Send nominations to Krisse Boursier, selection committee chair, by March 1. Those who received the award within the last five years are not eligible. For a list of past honorees and award criteria, go HERE.

Sad news to report



Longtime member Sue Koepp-Baker died on December 20, 2023. Sue joined AAUW in 2000 and was board secretary 2004-2005. She served on the City of Morgan Hill Planning Commission for many years. She was knowledgeable about environmental issues and supported the Climate Action group. Over time, health problems limited her activities, but she continued to enjoy attending AAUW events, including the branch holiday lunch on Dec. 3, the day before her 82nd birthday. Details about a memorial service are pending. Our sincere condolences to her son and daughter.

Member Profile: Barbara Palmer, almost charter member



Although Barbara has served the branch in many ways since she joined in 1984, including current Membership VP, she may be best known for being Wildflower Run Director (five years) and Sponsor Chair (11 years). READ about Barbara and AAUW and how she met her husband Allen on a street corner in Milwaukee.  

Members Volunteer for Gift of Reading

Members of AAUW and Friends of the Library sorted books donated for the Gift of Reading, a holiday book drive organized by BookSmart Community Advantage. The 16 boxes of new books will go to children at eight local schools. Volunteers included Krisse Boursier, Sheila Dunwoodie, Carol Ferri, Margo Hinnenkamp, Karen MacDonald, Janet McElroy, Carol O’Hare, Kris Shepherd, Teresa Stephenson, and YWL members Kaysie and Kaylyn. Special thanks to Margaret McCann, who hosted.

October Program - Brain Health

The October program on Brain Heath, organized by member Robin Shepherd, featuring member Peggy Martin on the panel, was a stellar success. The discussion covered various aspects related brain health, such as advanced directives and challenges helping family members who are dealing with cognitive decline/dementia. Thank you to the Susan and Charles Berghoff Foundation for bringing us this program.

November Program - About the Bees

The November program focused on pollinators, why we need them and how to provide the habitat to support them. The panel included member Lesley Miles, who emphasized the use of native plants. The well-attended event was put on by the Climate Education and Action Committee and moderated by Margo Hinnenkamp. Our thanks to CalColor for providing cyclamen plants for everyone.

December Holiday Party

The AAUW Holiday Party at Old City Hall Restaurant was a lovely event; we enjoyed gathering with both longtime and newer members. The music of Gilroy high school students added to the festivities. Thanks to Margo Hinnenkamp and Karen MacDonald for organizing it all. 

If you missed the lunch, please share why; if you attended, let us know what you liked and what you didn’t. Your feedback will help us plan for next year's event.

Link to the Holiday Party Feedback form

Community Action Grants Awarded

Our branch is committed to providing local and national support for AAUW’s mission of promoting equity for women and girls. The growing success of our annual Wildflower Run fundraiser enables AAUW MH to expand our philanthropic activities, including awarding $8,500 this year in Community Action Grants to ten non-profit organizations. Read all about it HERE.

Public Policy: Monitoring MHUSD Meetings

With the next election cycle rapidly approaching, it’s part of our branch and AAUW CA’s agenda to monitor school board meetings for both public comments and board activity in opposition to AAUW’s mission of protecting gender equity. A local committee has been formed to attend these meetings. READ how you can participate.